In today’s complex world, critical thinkers and strong writers have an edge. The Department of English at the University of Kentucky offers a wide variety of courses in order to provide students like you with that edge. You are provided the opportunity to learn from faculty members that are best-selling and award-winning authors, poets, documentarians, and screenwriters. The English curriculum at UK favors a liberal arts tradition that provides you with a broad skill set and prepares you for success in a variety of careers. English is a powerful and flexible undergraduate degree that leads to numerous career paths. Many students choose professions in education, and many more find employment in fields such as communications, entertainment, business, and law.
A Bachelor of Arts in English is a relevant and flexible undergraduate degree that leads to numerous career paths. In this new information age, collecting, reading and writing about complex information for a specific audience is an essential skill. English provides it. In addition, reading literature and watching films provide a chance to experiment with ideas and with possible selves. Books and films allow you to travel in time and space, without ever leaving home. They show you how the world looks through another person's eyes. In a complex world filled with different people, good readers and film analysts have an edge.
Career opportunities in English
English majors study a wide variety of courses in English and American literature as well as in linguistics, film, creative writing, cultural studies, and composition. Students explore, examine and read and write about complex information in literature and prose.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Choose one of the following:
*The department also strongly recommends ENG 100: Introduction to the English Major [1 hour]
Total Hours - 3
Historical Survey Requirement
Majors must take two Historical Survey courses of their choice. Historical Surveys can be taken in any combination and any order. Courses fulfilling the Historical Survey Requirements include:
English Text and Context
English Early Period Requirement
Diversity Requirement*
* The director of undergraduate studies may approve another course, not on the list above, at or above the 200-level that is designated as a diversity course.
Other Course Work Required by the Major
English majors must take an additional seven ENG courses, mostly at the 300-level. For specifics regarding restrictions and course requirements please refer to the English website: https://english.as.uky.edu/english-major
Courses from Outside the Department
English majors must take an additional 9 hours at the 200+ level outside of English. For applicable departments that can fulfill this requirement please refer to the English website: https://english.as.uky.edu/english-major
To Fulfill the ENG Creative Writing Option, students must complete the following:
Total Hours - 39 - 42
Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$73,690
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
151,200
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
5,600
new jobs (average)
Writers and authors may work anywhere they have access to a computer. Many writers and authors are self-employed.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreEditors plan, review, and revise content for publication.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$75,020
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
122,100
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
-4,900
new jobs (average)
Most editors work in offices, whether onsite with their employer or from a remote location. The work can be stressful because editors often have tight deadlines.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreLawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$145,760
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
826,300
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
62,400
new jobs (average)
Lawyers work for a variety of organizations, usually in office settings. Some work for federal, local, or state governments. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
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College of Arts & Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
251 Patterson Office Tower
Lexington KY 40506-0027
(859) 257-0178
